The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked the US State Department to prevent its citizens from taking part in the illegal and provocative visits to Al Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem by Israeli settlers on daily basis.

The request came following a provocative visit by Israeli settlers on Tuesday with the participation of a Jewish member of the US Senate (Utah) as well as the entry of a group of female police officers in their uniform, WAFA News Agency reported.

The ministry said in a press release issued on Wednesday that such illegal visits by US senators are considered a blatant meddling in Palestinian affairs and an indication of US support to the provocative actions carried out by far-right Jewish groups that aim to undermine the status quo in the compound.

“Such groups will take this participation as a show of support in plans to bring down the holy sanctuary and build the “temple” in its place, something that we refuse and will stand up to through all political and diplomatic channels.”

The number of Israeli settlers who broke into Al Aqsa Mosque has increased by 300%, not to mention the Israeli measures to fabricate history through digging new tunnels under the Old city of Jerusalem, Al Aqsa Mosque and the city’s walls.

“Such measures aim to distort the Islamic sites and help Israel promote for its religious narrative and war against the Arab Muslim and Christian character of the holy city, it said.

Source: MENA